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**wineh** · 07-04-2012, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terroirdejeroir

I just bottled a batch of this kit last month and I didn't have any oak for secondary fermentation. Is this a change or did I miss something?

My records show 60gr of toasted oak, (dust) and 60 gr of French oak (chips). both of those are intended to go in the primary. The WE kits with grapeskins additionally include oak cubes which are intended to go in the carboy. I think Geronimo just took a slightly different tack, which likely worked out well.

**Geronimo** · 07-05-2012, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wineh

My records show 60gr of toasted oak, (dust) and 60 gr of French oak (chips). both of those are intended to go in the primary. The WE kits with grapeskins additionally include oak cubes which are intended to go in the carboy. I think Geronimo just took a slightly different tack, which likely worked out well.

That's correct, I never use the dust in secondary and I prefer to spread the oak out between primary and secondary.

zeus50 · 07-05-2012, 04:21 PM

how is it going now? mine is in 2ndary.... can't wait

Andy419 · 07-18-2012, 02:59 PM

Hi Geronimo,

I just bought this kit yesterday -- can I ask you about the yeast? I was suprised, and happy, to see that the yeast is RC212 instead of 1118 that I have found in the other kits. However, I've had problems with 212 in the past and have been told on this forum that you need to have a lot of Nitrogen for 212 -- so you should add some nutrient in the beginning. Did you do anything differently than is on the directions, or did you just sprinkle the yeast on top as is indicated?

THANKS,

Andy

robie · 07-18-2012, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy419

Hi Geronimo,

I just bought this kit yesterday -- can I ask you about the yeast? I was suprised, and happy, to see that the yeast is RC212 instead of 1118 that I have found in the other kits. However, I've had problems with 212 in the past and have been told on this forum that you need to have a lot of Nitrogen for 212 -- so you should add some nutrient in the beginning. Did you do anything differently than is on the directions, or did you just sprinkle the yeast on top as is indicated?

THANKS,

Andy

Hi Andy,

Until G. gets back to you, I'll add my own comments.

If the kit came with that particular yeast, it is safe to say the kit maker has added the correct amounts of nutrients and such that are required. If they hadn't have, you can also assume they would have provided a nutrient packet with instructions as to when to add it.

This wine should be pretty complete as is. However, based on one's own taste, some may consider adding some additional oak during aging or if they don't care much for oak, they might leave out some of the supplied oak. It's all a matter of personal preference.

You can sprinkle the yeast or use a starter, either way should be fine for this kit.

Let this wine age out properly and you won't be disappointed. After all, it deserves the chance to grow up.

Good luck.

Andy419 · 07-18-2012, 06:21 PM

Thanks Robie!

robie · 07-18-2012, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy419

Thanks Robie!

But isn't it fun!!!!!!!

**Geronimo** · 07-19-2012, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy419

Hi Geronimo,

I just bought this kit yesterday -- can I ask you about the yeast? I was suprised, and happy, to see that the yeast is RC212 instead of 1118 that I have found in the other kits. However, I've had problems with 212 in the past and have been told on this forum that you need to have a lot of Nitrogen for 212 -- so you should add some nutrient in the beginning. Did you do anything differently than is on the directions, or did you just sprinkle the yeast on top as is indicated?

I have used some nutrient in the past, but as Robie says I don't think it's needed. I just sprinkle the yeast, stir gently and wait for activity. I used some Wyeast nutrient with mine on the 2nd kit, but nothing on the first. I didn't notice any difference.

RC212 will leave you a bit more color than EC1118 but that's extremely subjective. Since this is one of WE's top shelf kits, they want to take every effort to make the wine as good as it can be.

Andy419 · 07-23-2012, 01:55 PM

Thanks again everyone! I'm not going to start this until some time next week (maybe) -- I'll le t you know how I do.

**wood1954** · 08-02-2012, 12:41 AM

I started this kit about a month ago and it came with Premier cuvee yeast. I don't think they put any thought into yeast selection at all. What ever is handy that day is what goes into the kit. If kits are not as full bodied as commercial wine, why not send them out with a yeast that adds more poly saccharides or glycerol? BTW when i tasted while i was racking it , it was really good, i used Lalvin D47. On my Zin-Shiraz blend i used Lalvin d254 and it is going to be the best wine I've made and it's only a month old.